Located in Tanner, Alabama, Bridgeforth Farms is in its fifth generation of family ownership. The farm started after the Civil War under the leadership of George Bridgeforth, a former slave who persevered to buy and farm the land. Today, Billy Bridgeforth and his family run the 10,000-acre business. As chairman emeritus of the National Black Growers Council, he advocates on behalf of Black farmers in the US and abroad through organizations like 4-H, the Youth Development Program of the USDA, and the Cooperative Extension System.  

VS&Co partnered with Billy to create the Seeds of Innovation Scholarship and Internship Program, which awards agricultural students from two HBCUs in Alabama with grant and internship opportunities. This program is an extension of our partnership with Bridgeforth to revolutionize our intimates with direct-to-source cotton (aka, a more responsible and transparent cotton journey). 

Meet a Few of Our Recent Scholarship & Internship Awardees 

The Seeds of Innovation scholarship and internship recipients were selected from Tuskegee University and Alabama A&M University, based on their field of study—encompassing sustainable, regenerative, or organic agriculture, horticulture, greenhouse operations, plant and agriculture science, or agribusiness. Applicants were also required to demonstrate a genuine passion for farming and a keen interest in gaining practical, hands-on experience on a working farm. 

We had the opportunity to connect with a few students to learn a bit more about them. Read on and get to know four more awardees.  

Antonio Hutchins

Agribusiness, Sophomore, Tuskegee University 

Hutchins aspires to work as an engineering technician for the Agricultural Research Service. After graduation, he plans to earn a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Michigan State University, with the goal of establishing an architecture firm that integrates architecture, agriculture, and business operations. 

Brooke Williams

Agribusiness, Junior, Tuskegee University 

Williams’ goal is to bridge the gap between farming communities and modern market demands. Actively involved in campus organizations and community initiatives, she promotes sustainable farming and supports local cooperatives. She aspires to leverage technology and data-driven solutions to address challenges in the agricultural industry and drive positive change. 

Alexis Marie-Parrish

Environmental Science, Junior, Alabama A&M University 

Marie-Parrish wants to make sustainable clothing and seeing people who look like her play a role in that, especially with major corporations, makes her even more thrilled and determined for her success in the future. She cannot wait to see how she can apply what she’s learned from her time here in the future. 

Jarius Whitehead

Environmental Science, Sophomore, Alabama A&M University 

In Whitehead’s free time, he enjoys reading, calisthenics, and being outside in nature. He connected with this program through his mentor, Dr. Ernest Cebert, who introduced him to this opportunity due to his dedication and passion for agriculture demonstrated at WTARS. 

Christopher McCoy

Plant Biotechnology, Senior, Alabama A&M University 

Throughout McCoy’s academic journey, he developed a strong foundation in scientific research, particularly in areas like DNA analysis, plant biology, and soil testing. His experience also extends to hands-on laboratory work, having served as a Lab/Field Technician at Chonex and a Lab Technician at Aviagen. Currently, he is pursuing a master’s in health informatics and seeking to transition into project management, where he hopes to apply his skills to new challenges. 

Additional Awardees 

Dawn Earles, Animal Science, Freshman, Tuskegee University 

To learn more, check out our “Cotton Journey Report” to get all the details about our ongoing work.